Abstract: A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod comprises a body defining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient, said body comprising a dispensing side and a closed side, and at least one side wall extending from the closed side to the dispensing side; and an actuation member contained within said cavity. The actuation member is configured to cause an opening to be formed between said cavity and a region outside the pod when actuated. The opening is formed around a perimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod at a junction formed between the at least one side wall and the dispensing surface, the dispensing surface being provided at the dispensing side of the body.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient from a pod. The dispensing apparatus comprises a pod support region configured to support a pod, an actuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuator engagement region of the pod, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the pod. The apparatus is configured to cause the actuation member to cause an opening to be formed in a pod supported by the pod support region. The apparatus is further configured to cause the rotation mechanism to cause the pod to rotate about an axis of rotation during a dispensing operation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient to be released from the pod via said opening.

Abstract: A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod comprises a body defining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient, said body comprising a dispensing side and a closed side, and at least one side wall extending from the closed side to the dispensing side; and an actuation member contained within said cavity. The actuation member is configured to cause an opening to be formed between said cavity and a region outside the pod when actuated. The opening is formed around a perimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod at a junction formed between the at least one side wall and the dispensing surface, the dispensing surface being provided at the dispensing side of the body.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient from a pod. The dispensing apparatus comprises a pod support region configured to support a pod, an actuator configured to engage with a corresponding actuator engagement region of the pod, and a rotation mechanism for rotating the pod. The apparatus is configured to cause the actuation member to cause an opening to be formed in a pod supported by the pod support region. The apparatus is further configured to cause the rotation mechanism to cause the pod to rotate about an axis of rotation during a dispensing operation, so as to cause the beverage preparation ingredient to be released from the pod via said opening.

Abstract: A pod for storing and dispensing a beverage preparation ingredient during a dispensing operation. The pod comprises a body defining a cavity for storing the beverage preparation ingredient, said body comprising a dispensing side and a closed side, and at least one side wall extending from the closed side to the dispensing side; and an actuation member contained within said cavity. The actuation member is configured to cause an opening to be formed between said cavity and a region outside the pod when actuated. The opening is formed around a perimeter of a dispensing surface of the pod at a junction formed between the at least one side wall and the dispensing surface, the dispensing surface being provided at the dispensing side of the body.

Abstract: There is provided a system for filtering liquid. The system comprises a liquid storage reservoir and a liquid inlet reservoir. The system further comprises a filter receiving portion configured to receive a filter, such that, in use, a filter is provided between said liquid inlet reservoir and said liquid storage reservoir and is, in use, configured to filter liquid passing from the liquid inlet reservoir to the liquid storage reservoir along a first liquid flow path. The system further comprises second liquid flow path from the liquid inlet reservoir to the liquid storage reservoir which by-passes said filter.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for ketones and aldehydes as herbicides are disclosed herein. According to an aspect, a method includes applying an effective amount of an herbicide composition comprising an acyclic, chemically-synthesized or plant-derived ketone or aldehyde of the invention to a locus where undesirable vegetation is to be controlled. The plant-derived or synthesized ketone may be a 2-undecanone. Further, various other acyclic ketones and aldehydes and their derivatives may be used.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly for coupling between a power end and a fluid end of a high pressure reciprocating pump. Part cylindrical members are clamped together via pistons arranged orthogonally to the rod axis. The members grip the power and fluid o end components in a knuckle joint or ball and socket. By providing orthogonal loading, a large contact area is obtained between the members and the components, which gives a mechanical advantage in keeping the parts together even when a maximum reciprocating force is applied by the pump.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for securing a cylinder liner to a pumping module. A first part of an assembly housing pistons is fastened to a pumping module and a second part of the assembly is brought against the first so that the pistons act on tensioning plates which each have a stud rod extending therefrom through the assembly at an end distal to the pumping module. Each rod has a first portion substantially surrounded in an elastomeric member and a second portion threaded to receive a nut. The rods are passed through a clamping ring on the cylinder liner and the nut is attached to the rod. Actuating the pistons causes initial compression of the elastomeric member by the tension plate and allows tightening of the nut toward the pumping module. Release of the pistons then causes expansion of the elastomeric member to forcibly compel the cylinder liner towards the pumping module.

Abstract: An apparatus to hold a bucket from spinning while the contents of the bucket are being mixed or stirred includes a bucket holder which fits and locks around the bucket and a leg stop extending from the bucket holder that fits against the user's leg to prevent spinning of the bucket. The bucket holder may include a strap which is tightened around the outside of the bucket to snugly hold the bucket in a closed loop of the strap. In one embodiment the strap is held in closed looped position by a buckle. A leg stop which rests against the leg of a user during use of the apparatus is secured to the bucket holder and extends outwardly therefrom to contact the leg of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a fishing line includes an elongated housing with an aperture axially extending therethrough. A fishing reel is attached to the housing adjacent a first end thereof. A telescopic guide is attached to the housing adjacent a second end thereof with each telescopic member receiving the fishing line when such guide is in its extended position. A bobber is coupled to the fishing line and engages the second end of the housing. A bobber launching mechanism includes a first chamber disposed within the aperture adjacent the first end of the hosing and includes a reciprocally mounted piston. A second chamber is disposed adjacent the second end and includes orifice and a seat engaging the orifice. The second chamber is in communication with the first chamber. The reciprocal movement of the piston generates air pressure within second chamber. A release mechanism is disposed intermediate the first and second chambers and is connected to the seat for selective opening and closing of such orifice.

Abstract: A combination hand tool includes an elongated member forming a handle which has a first and an axially opposed second end. A tool head is rigidly attached to the first end of the elongated member. A sleeve like member is rigidly attached to the second end of the elongated member and has a collapsible open end for retaining an accessory working element which is secured with a rotatatably disposed nut. A plurality of tabs is integrally formed on the outer surface of the elongated member for frictionally retaining a plurality of working elements. An aperture is provided for housing a measuring tape assembly. At least one bubble-type level is disposed within the elongated member for level measurements and a pair of surfaces are provided for establishing a reference plane for such level measurements.

Abstract: A device for securing a cylinder liner (3) to a respective pumping module (2) in a reciprocating pump has a set of arrangements each with a hydraulically activated piston (8), a rod (11) of which is adapted to receive a nut (12), the retraction of which forcibly compels in attraction the cylinder liner (3) and the pumping module (2).